Over the Sonic. What next?

"LJ909" (lj909) 07/28/2015 at 14:38 • Filed to: None

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Having had my car now for going on 6 months now I think I can say that I’m over it. Not that the Sonic is a bad car or anything and that I’m ungrateful, its just I want something else now. Some might say that 6 months is pretty quick to get over your car but I say to them whatever. I think I just feel like the Sonic is mediocre. Its a helluva lot better than the Aveo but its still not up to par with the foreign makes in areas like refinement, something a second gen Sonic or refresh might fix.

Before I get into what I should move on to ill go over a few more problems/things I don’t like about my car

The fuel economy is wack (yea I’m a millennial). I commute 58 miles to work and back home 4 times a week and I’m getting a measly 29.1 mpg which could be the reason Chevy touts the 1.4 turbo so much in its Sonic ads.

The 1.8 non turbo 4 in my LT is unrefined like I mentioned before. Its sorta peppy off the line, and there is a power sweet spot from 3-4k rpm for quick passing, but other than that I don’t care for it. Cold morning starts (which in Southern Cali mean 68 degrees in the morning, maybe 62 if I had parked in the shade) result in low, almost engine shut off rpms with the car trembling forcing me to give it a little gas.

For some reason my service engine soon light comes on and off a lot, and its been doing this for a few months now. Whats weird is when its on, my remote start doesn’t work but when it turns off it does.

I don’t know if its the throttle or what, but quick starts off the line result in lumpy, jumpy power delivery, especially on freeway on ramps. This results in a pulse like power delivery.

Other than those things the car has been pretty solid. But like I said its time for something different. I’m debating wither to stay with hatches, preferably a hot hatch, or move to something totally different. Like before my car choices are all over the place.

I’ve been really considering the 500 Abarth. There’s like 3 in my neighborhood that I lust after, but I’ve been looking even closer at the convertible version (don’t judge). It satisfies the wants of me wanting a convertible and a hot hatch at the same time. I just worry about it looking to feminine.

There’s also the Fiesta ST of course which I hear is pretty damn good. But like the 500, the big knock against it for me is how small both of them are. Smaller than the Sonic. Also looking at old Dodge Magnum SRT8’s because big ass V8 wagon.

So basically this time around I want something that’s fun to drive and fast, RELIABLE (because I’m sure you all know about my S Type R) and maybe good on gas. Mainly fast sedans, good wagons and other good hatches. So lets see some suggestions and pros&cons of the ones I’ve listed here.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:40

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jjhats > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:41

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cpo fost are very cheap most of the time cheaper than fiestas and roomy comfortable and very quick. and I guarantee you will get 29 or better on the freeway

CB > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:42

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What makes the 500 Abarth feminine? Rock what you got, dude, and don’t let people hate on what you like. Besides, the roof being down means that you get to hear more of that glorious exhaust note.

LJ909 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 07/28/2015 at 14:42

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I wanna be able to survive everyday traffic. The Mirage is a waste of a good lawnmower engine.

LJ909 > CB 07/28/2015 at 14:44

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The 500 Abarth itself isnt feminine, just the convertible version sorta. Probably because ive never really seen a guy in one. But your right about hearing that exhaust note. Thats one of the main reasons other than getting some sun.

dogisbadob > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:44

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you should’ve gotten the white wheels

dogisbadob > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:44

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no sunroof :(

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:45

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If you want reliable, get a Civic Si. With the 10th gen Civic coming out, you could probably get a good deal on a ‘15 in a couple of weeks I imagine.

If not that, what about a Mini Cooper?

dogisbadob > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:45

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Do you really think this will be more reliable than your Sonic? :p

It sounds awesome, but Fiat is at the bottom of reliability

dogisbadob > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:45

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You should consider a Fit

LJ909 > jjhats 07/28/2015 at 14:46

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How cheap are we talking? under 20 or under 18?

jjhats > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:47

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I bought my 2013 st2 back in January for 16,500. that was the cheapest one in the country but plenty under 18 easily

LJ909 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 07/28/2015 at 14:50

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Thought about that too, but the current Si doesn’t seem the same to me. Maybe its because of the engine. If I were to get a Civic Si I would want a 4 door 06-11, though that most likely will mean 100k miles and over.

Thought about a JCW but my girlfriends best friend has one and I dont wanna drive the same car as him lol.

LJ909 > dogisbadob 07/28/2015 at 14:51

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Really? I hadn’t heard or seen anything about Abarths reliability. I’ve honestly been questioning it though.

LJ909 > dogisbadob 07/28/2015 at 14:51

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If there was a Fit Si I would.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:53

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Well if you’re complaining about mileage on the Sonic, I don’t think you’ll be too pleased with what you’d get out of the 500 Abarth, FiST, or a Magnum SRT8. Both the hot hatches will get around the same mileage, or worse if you drive them like they want to be, and anything larger (especially a V8) isn’t likely to do much better either.

Here are my two suggestions.

Most fun, not very practical:

FR-S/BRZ

RWD = most fun

Reasonably priced

Decent gas mileage for a sports car. I autocross my FR-S, but tend to drive rather conservatively on the road and average around 29mpg

People complain that they’re underpowered, but they’re more than capable on the roads (anyone saying they can’t get up to speed on the freeway to merge is an idiot) and can do quite well in track/race settings

Perhaps a little less fun, but more practical”

Mazda3

Not RWD, but I hear that they are very fun.

Mazda really knows what they’re doing with their cars, and it’s obvious that they listen to their enthusiast market.

Also reasonably priced (although you haven’t exactly told us your budget, I’m gathering based off the 500 Abarth and FiST considerations)

Can be had in both hatch or sedan

Can be had in “enthusiast trim” with the Mazdaspeed3

They tend to come pretty well equipped

Has a combined MPG of 29-33 depending on the trim you go with

LJ909 > jjhats 07/28/2015 at 14:53

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Damn that really is cheap. Thats about what a Sonic LT will cost with a few options checked. Im gonna search right now.

Tohru > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:54

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It sounds like you need to take the thing to the dealer while it’s under warranty and sort out the issues.

It is strange that your 2700lb. 1.8L hatchback gets only two MPG more than my 3400lb. 3.8L sedan.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:54

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If you can get it in the shop 4 times for the service engine light, it may qualify for the lemon law, which means you could get it fully repurchased.

Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:56

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I’ve always liked the Abarth Cabrio

dogisbadob > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:56

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VTEC is standard on all US Fits hahahahahaha

SlickMcRick > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 14:57

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Not really. There are a number of Civics of that generation in the 40k-70k range and they cost $15k or less easily. I’ve even spotted a 60k 08 example for a touch under $12k.

LJ909 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 07/28/2015 at 14:59

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Actually these two are on my short list. Its just I have a 4 year old whos going to be moving to a booster seat soon and he’ll be 5 in Febuary and Im wondering if there’s sufficient space for me him and my girlfriend. Shes going to be getting a Scion TC (sigh) so if she can deal with the space then I can justify an FR-S.

The Mazdaspeed 3 I love, but I heard that the last gen isnt as great as the first gen before that.

LJ909 > Tohru 07/28/2015 at 15:02

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Im just glad its not anything more serious. But your right it is strange, more like sad that it does. I shouldn’t have to get a turbo to get better gas mileage.

LJ909 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 07/28/2015 at 15:03

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Really? I got it in February though.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 15:03

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A kid is about the only thing that can fit in the back seat of an FR-S. lol But if you’ve got the TC then that can work as your kid friendly mobile, and the FR-S will work in a pinch. I say you go check one out, and bring a booster seat with to test fit it.

I’d look for an older Mazdaspeed3 then. Find the generation you like best. Even the new regular Mazda 3s are supposed to be a lot of fun, and of course there’s plenty of aftermarket support for them. I think the new hatches look great.

Tohru > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 15:05

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The Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice got 30mpg with the stick.

The Saturn Sky Redline/Pontiac Solstice GXP got 34mpg with the stick.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 15:11

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Good luck finding a Magnum SRT8, they’ve just disappeared.

LJ909 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 07/28/2015 at 15:16

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The TC would be hers though. But your right that could be the kid car. There’s quite a few FR-S’ on the used market now so the price range should be broad.

I thought about taking a long at the last gen Speed3’s. I dont really care for the new 3’s. Too, I dont know how to put it, luxurious for a car of that class.

LJ909 > Tohru 07/28/2015 at 15:19

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The Solstice GXP was first on my list before I got my Sonic. I just couldn’t find a deal that was worth it on any one I found.

LJ909 > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch 07/28/2015 at 15:22

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Yea your right. I found 4 within 75 miles of me. One for $23,888 with 53k miles.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 15:29

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You must live in a Magnum Twilight Zone, that’s awesome!

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 15:35

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fhrblig > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 15:40

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FWIW, I drove a lowly regular 500 sport and I have never had so many women flirt with me in my life. (It’s totally wasted on me.)

JGrabowMSt > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 15:45

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Dont be complaining about gas mileage then saying “how about I get a huge HEMI to replace this.”

Who am I kidding, an SRT8 Magnum? Just be prepared for price gouging....most I see are 15-20k. I see RTs go for $7000 often, and you get MDS with that. My RT get around 26mpg average, so yeah, Im happy with it. Sure I want a bigger motor, but I can wait while I save on gas for a while.

Go for a new Golf Sportwagen with a row-your-own trans. Good on diesel, fits plenty, goes pretty quick and looks damn good.

LJ909 > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch 07/28/2015 at 15:58

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Damn 2 in 200 miles? Its becoming more rare!

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 16:01

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Yes. Lemon law is good for 24 months or I think 24,000 miles. Basically, if you get it lemon lawed, the manufacture will deduct a small amount, probably $1,000 or so for usage, and you would get a check for the rest. You may want to speak to your states attorney general office, or get an attorney. I went the attorney generals office and got my old car bought back in a matter of a few months due to transmission issues.

LJ909 > fhrblig 07/28/2015 at 16:01

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If I didn’t love my future wife so much and wasn’t under the threat of getting stabbed this would be a major thing for me but its not.

LJ909 > JGrabowMSt 07/28/2015 at 16:07

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You must have not seen where I said MAYBE good on gas. I complain because im driving a subcompact that weighs under 3,000 lbs thats not getting 30 mpg. If I didnt have the Sonic I wouldn’t worry about the gas mileage.

Your right about price gouging though. I found and 07 SRT8 for basically $24k because it has 53 thousand miles. R/T’s can be found alot, just hard finding em with under 100 thousand miles. Hows the 5.7’s reliability with high mileage?

The gf and I looked at those Golf Sportwagens along time ago but she said they reminded her of a douchebags car so I said nope.

LJ909 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 07/28/2015 at 16:09

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I didnt know that. The thing is though other then the weird engine mishaps with the idle and the cold start, other than the service engine soon light going on and off Im not sure if I would have a case.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 16:13

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Take it into the dealer, and get proper documentation each time the light comes on. It sounds like you have a solid case.

LJ909 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 07/28/2015 at 16:15

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So I can still do this even though its been on mostly for months and off sometimes? It was off for two days the other day and just came back on again the day before yesterday.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > jjhats 07/28/2015 at 16:19

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They’re marginally more expensive new, too. In fact, the FoST tends to have more rebates and discounts than the FiST, so you can often get lower-spec ones for less.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 16:20

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FIAT. It’s an acronym.

I would be very nervous about buying anything made by Fiatsler.

jjhats > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 07/28/2015 at 16:21

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this. they were new for 18k last fall

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 16:28

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What is this, Craigslist?

Also, while better than the Aveo (Clearance bicycles you buy at Toys-R-Us are better than the Aveo.), the Sonic is still a painfully bad penalty box. The handling is atrocious, the interior is cheap, mileage is mediocre, and it’s slow (you don’t even get there fast for the fuel used). I don’t know why people buy them...

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 16:31

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If I were you, I’d take it straight to the dealer the next time it comes on. Request a loaner car, and be sure to get a print out stating the issue that it was brought in for.

Mercedes Streeter > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 17:12

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I’m not sure why a feminine-looking car is a bad thing. You’re on a site that idolizes the most “feminine” looking car in the world.

IMO - “Feminine” just means the car has curves, instead of a million useless scoops and more creases than your pants when you don’t iron them.

LJ909 > Mercedes Streeter 07/28/2015 at 18:24

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True, but the Miata has & is an actual sports car that has cred to make most overlook its cute femininity.

Mercedes Streeter > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 18:39

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I’d beg to differ :P lol

Normal people don’t know the Miata is a credible sports car, they just see the car their hairdresser drives. Gotta love car stereotypes. :(

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 20:14

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“For some reason my service engine soon light comes on and off a lot, and its been doing this for a few months now. Whats weird is when its on, my remote start doesn’t work but when it turns off it does.”

That is something you should get checked out.

thatsmr > LJ909 07/28/2015 at 23:21

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My guess=hopelessly buried in the Sonic. Hey you got kids. Save the dough and ruthlessly hoon the sonic. They are basically worth the same in any condition.

LJ909 > thatsmr 07/28/2015 at 23:52

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Nah not even close to being buried. Just bored with the car with one child( not having anymore anytime soon). So I’m good to move on.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > CB 08/03/2015 at 18:53

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Well put and damn straight. I don’t care what people think of my car, it’s MY car.